Andre Ayew happy to fight for the team

Andre Ayew appears to be maturing game after game after another assured performance in Ghana’s opening World Cup game against Serbia.

Critics slammed the 20 year-old during his debut for the Black Stars at the 2008 Nations Cup for his inconsistent performances.

The youngster, son of Ghana legend, Abedi Pele has shown great signs of finally stepping out his father’s shadow to become a fine player in his own right.

Having played impressive roles, helping Ghana become the first African side to win the FIFA U-20 World Cup and runners up at 2010 African Nations Cup, the attacking midfielder insists that nothing has changed about his approach to the game.

“Nothing has changed about my approach to the game. I try to give my best everything. I was 17 at the time but now, I am 20. I have had time to progress,” Andre says as he talks about the gradual rise he has enjoyed his career.

“I always give 100% to the team. And I would be fighting for the team. The important thing it to stick to the coaches instructions and work for the team.”

Source: Ghanafa.org

Boateng: Bad boy label is a burden

Kevin-Prince Boateng has ridden a metaphorical roller-coaster this season. On the up-side, his club Portsmouth defied expectations to reach the FA Cup final, where they fell narrowly to Chelsea. On the down-side, the midfielder and his team-mates bade farewell to the English top flight after being docked nine points for entering administration.
The player, who insists he has moved on from the bad boy image beloved of the media, is now focusing all his attention on the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™. The 23-year-old was born in Berlin but has opted to play for Ghana, and in an ironic twist of fate, he is now set to face his country of birth at the finals.
The eagerly-awaited group fixture has even more of an edge to it now, after Boateng’s challenge on Michael Ballack in the FA Cup final caused the injury that forced the Germany captain to pull out of the FIFA World Cup™. Interviewed by FIFA.com, former Germany junior international Boateng spoke about his reputation, assessed Ghana’s chances in South Africa, and named his favourites for the global showdown.
FIFA.com: Kevin, you’ve faced a storm of criticism for the foul which put Germany captain Michael Ballack out of the FIFA World Cup. You’re still a young player, so how have you coped?
Kevin-Prince Boateng: Let me say first of all how sorry I am that Michael can’t play at the World Cup. I never meant to hurt him, and I apologised to him on the spot. It was just a late challenge, nothing more. I have this image as a bad boy and it was quite a laugh at the start. These things amuse you as an 18-year-old. But I’m 23 now, I’m married and I have a son. The image is a burden now. The media have given me this tag and they just sit and wait for me to do something stupid. But the people who know me realise I’m not like that. The most important things to me are my family and football, and I hope I can rid myself of this bad boy reputation over time.
Turning to football, let’s have a look back over your career to date, which began in Berlin.
When I was a little kid, I played in the Berlin streets with my brothers and my dad. I started at Hertha when I was just seven. I played for all the youth teams and eventually signed as a pro. I had a few problems at the start, mainly due to the pace and the hard tackling, but I was lucky enough to be playing alongside some really helpful older players. Niko Kovac, Dick van Burik and Fredi Bobic gave me a lot of support. I’m still really grateful to those guys.
At just 20, you switched to Tottenham Hotspur in England. Why did you opt for the Premier League?I became personally unhappy in Berlin, so I wanted to change clubs. Sevilla and Tottenham Hotspur both came in for me, and at the end of the day I opted for Spurs, because I’d always wanted to play in the Premier League.

"It was just a late challenge, nothing more. I have this image as a bad boy and it was quite a laugh at the start... But I’m 23 now, I’m married and I have a son. The image is a burden now."

Kevin-Prince Boateng on the Michael Ballack controversy

It didn’t work out in north London though and you only made a handful of appearances, so you went out on loan to Borussia Dortmund.It was a difficult time for me. Spurs boss Martin Jol told me he thought I was a good player, but there was no place for me in his system, so I lost a year-and-a-half when I hardly played. By contrast, I had a very positive time in Dortmund. I had six terrific months there. I fitted in really well with the club, the coach and the team.
You maintained your good form for Portsmouth last season. Were you satisfied with yourself?You can always do better, but I had a decent season and learned a lot. We gave it everything we had as a team, and I’m really upset about what’s happened to the club. I’ve yet to think through my future at club level. I have two more years on my contract, but I’m concentrating totally on South Africa now. We’ll see what happens after that. But obviously, the eyes of the world are on the World Cup, so it can always be a showcase for a player.
You played for Germany as a youth, but you’re a member of the Ghana squad for the FIFA World Cup in South Africa. What are the reasons behind your choice?I really enjoyed playing for Germany. It was recognition for all the work I put in, and the German FA really helped me develop as a player. But I made mistakes. I had a feeling the German FA wasn’t prepared to forgive me and I wouldn’t be given another chance for the national team. I delivered for my clubs, but I was never mentioned in connection with the Germany set-up. By comparison, I could have turned out for Ghana at the 2006 World Cup and at this year’s Africa Cup of Nations. I was still holding out hopes of being picked for Germany and playing alongside my brother Jerome, so I turned Ghana down. But now I’ve made a rational decision, with my head rather than my heart.
Ghana have landed in a tough group. How would you rate Germany, Serbia and Australia?I think Germany are favourites, although you have to fancy the Serbs too. But I know we have quality in the team, and I’m convinced we can spring a surprise.
On 23 June, you’re very likely to face your country of birth and probably your brother too, as he’s in the Germany squad.Obviously, the Germany game is a special one for me. But I can promise the Ghana fans this: I play to win, even against my brother – or my father or mother, for that matter.
This is the first FIFA World Cup in Africa. What does it mean for the African people?This World Cup is incredibly important for the continent as a whole. I’m expecting a tournament full of joy and excitement, like four years ago in Germany. Everyone in Africa’s looking forward to the finals.
Finally, who are favourites to win the FIFA World Cup?Côte d’Ivoire are there or thereabouts. They have a superstar in almost every position. They’ve again been drawn in a tough group, but the time has come for them to make their mark. All their players are at top European clubs. If they can play well as a team, they could go a long way. Spain are also very strong contenders, and I see them in the final. And you can never discount Brazil and Germany.

Source: FIFA.COM

Glo Mobile to quit?

Major telecommunications operator, Glo Mobile, intends to pull out of Ghana, an authoritative source close to the company has disclosed.

The Daily Graphic gathered over the weekend that the telecommunications giant had decided to divest its investment in the country and exit Ghana as it faced several challenges from some interests bent on sabotaging the company's nation-wide take-off plan.

A source close to the company disclosed that some of the challenges the company had faced since it was awarded a GSM licence by the National Communications Authority (NCA) included an encroachment on the frequency allocated to it by the NCA, the repeated sabotage of its billboards and the delay in securing approval for the swift deployment of its infrastructure, such as base stations.

It said officials of the company were concerned that while the company had been working at a frenetic pace to formally roll out the network, some forces had been deliberately working around the clock to cripple its operation and prevent it from rolling out quickly, to the detriment of the Ghanaian society.

Another source close to the company said the operator’s management felt that its infrastructure in the country was not getting adequate protection from the law enforcement agencies.

Efforts to get the official reaction from the company to the development proved abortive, but it was gathered that the company would soon serve the government with its notice to quit.

The source, which was privy to the outcome of a recent meeting held by senior management staff of the company on the issues, said Glo was displeased with the various acts of vandalism and would be relieved if the law enforcement agencies apprehended the perpetrators and exposed them.

When contacted, a senior official of Glo Mobile Ghana, Mr Derek Obuobi, said he would not comment on the matter now.

Glo Mobile Ghana recently embarked on a massive deployment of outdoor advertising structures, comprising billboards, light boxes, lamp post signs and brand marks (branded lit globes), throughout Accra as part of the build-up towards the nation-wide launch of its operations in Ghana.

However, immediately after the deployment of the outdoor advertising materials, which generated a lot of positive remarks, a number of the structures were vandalised by unknown persons.

In February, about 15 light boxes mounted from the Airport Traffic Light median to the Opeibea House Traffic Light were destroyed with the flexi materials used on both sides of the units torn. One of the Glo brand marks mounted in Accra was also destroyed.

About two weeks ago, about 16 light boxes installed by Glo from the King Tackie Tawiah Overpass to Busy Internet were also vandalised.

"Every single unit, with materials made from top grade flexi was defaced with a sharp object, suspected to be a knife or a razor blade," the source said.

"It was curious that light boxes belonging to another telecom operator deployed within the same stretch continuing from Busy Internet to the Kwame Nkrumah Circle were left unscathed," it said.

In December last year, some people were apprehended and handed to the police while they were attempting to sabotage a Glo mast located at the Baatsona area of Accra.

“It is clear that these acts of lawlessness are being perpetrated to frustrate Glo's roll-out plans," the source said.

Another major area of concern for Glo is the ban on the erection of telecom masts by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The development is said to have affected Glo the most, it being the only network building a nationwide telecoms company from scratch.

"Glo is losing the opportunity to make revenue, for every day there is a delay in launching its network. I believe that is why it is worried," the source said.

Since Glo was granted a licence to operate in Ghana, it has invested huge resources to deploy a nationwide state-of-the-art infrastructure. It has also devoted millions of dollars to the sponsorship of the Ghana Premier League., the national football teams, and the Ghana National Supporters Union.

An investment expert who preferred anonymity said it would be a major setback to the efforts of the government to attract foreign direct investment, generate employment and stimulate economic growth should Glo pull out of Ghana. He urged the government to intervene on the issue.

At the recent presentation of cheques by Glo to the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for the impressive performance of the Black Stars at the last edition of the African Cup of Nations, the Minister of Communications gave the assurance that the government would give Glo all the support it required to enable it to roll out its services.


Source: Daily Graphic/Ghana

Nigeria vice-president confirmed

Namadi Sambo worked as an architect until he became a governor in 2007

Both houses of Nigeria's parliament have voted to confirm the appointment of Kaduna state governor Namadi Sambo as the country's new vice-president.


Mr Sambo is relatively unknown and his appointment could clear the way for President Goodluck Jonathan to seek election in 2011, analysts say.

There were rowdy scenes during the confirmation, with lawmakers screaming and shouting to delay proceedings.

Mr Sambo is a northerner and he maintains the regional balance.

President Jonathan, a southerner, was sworn in earlier this month after the death of Umaru Yar'Adua.

Mr Jonathan has not said whether he wants to stand for the elections and the governing People's Democratic Party has said its candidate will be a northerner - continuing its practice of alternating power between the mostly Muslim north and the largely Christian south after two four-year terms.

Mr Yar'Adua, who was a northerner, died before his first term ended.

Kaduna anger

The BBC's Caroline Duffield in Lagos says that although Mr Sambo is not seen as a strong contender in the elections, his appointment is still controversial.

In his home state of Kaduna, Mr Sambo is seen as weak and inexperienced - his administration is criticized as corrupt.

His replacement in Kaduna will be his deputy Patrick Yakowa, who is a Christian.

Our correspondent says that has prompted anger because the state is mostly Muslim. Some local politicians see it as a plot to hand political control locally to Christians.

The confirmation hearing in the House of Representatives was held up for nearly half an hour as lawmakers argued on procedure, some even suggesting it be suspended to allow for consultation with constitutional experts.

At one point, those supporting the Kaduna governor began singing "Give us Sambo", while House speaker Dimeji Bankole repeatedly called for order.

"I am pleading with colleagues to please to take their seats and take this matter with all sense of patriotism," Mr Bankole said at one point.

Eventually, the House confirmed Mr Sambo as vice-president. Senators had earlier approved him unanimously in a vote that lasted three minutes.

Married with six children, Mr Sambo is an architect and an ally of former military ruler Ibrahim Babangida, who intends to seek the presidency.


Source: BBC

Nigeria Prez picks Namadi Sambo as Vice

Vice President Namadi Sambo

Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has named Kaduna state governor Namadi Sambo as his new vice-president, an official has told the BBC.


Mr Sambo, 57, must now be approved by both houses of parliament.

The move follows the death of President Umaru Yar'Adua and the swearing-in of his successor Mr Jonathan last week.

Whoever is named as vice-president is seen as a strong contender for the 2011 presidential elections in Africa's most populous nation, analysts say.

It remains unclear whether Mr Jonathan will seek to contest the elections on behalf of the governing People's Democratic Party (PDP).

Mr Jonathan is a southerner and the PDP has said its candidate will be a northerner - continuing its practice of alternating power between north and south.

Mr Sambo is from the north but there have been strong suggestions that Mr Jonathan may try to overturn the PDP tradition.

Kaduna state spokesman Saidu Adamu told the BBC's Network Africa programme that reports in local newspapers that Mr Sambo had been chosen were correct.

However, the president's office has not yet officially confirmed these reports.

The BBC's Caroline Duffield in Lagos says Mr Sambo is not a prominent politician, does not have a big power base and his name did not figure in public speculation about likely vice-presidents.

But she says he is likely to be confirmed by the Senate, which is expected to meet later on Thursday.

Married with six children, he is a qualified architect who became governor in 2007.

He is an ally of former military ruler Ibrahim Babangida, who recently said he would seek to contest the elections, our correspondent says.

She says he has taken security very seriously since becoming Kaduna governor.

Some analysts say he may have been chosen because he would not pose a threat to President Jonathan.

Source: BBC

Nigeria: Vice President may emerge Tuesday

There are strong indications that President Goodluck Jonathan may name his vice president next week Tuesday and subsequently seek approval of the National Assembly.

Also on Friday, the United States hailed the "timely inauguration" of President Jonathan, whom it described as the "lawful successor" of late President Umaru Yar'Adua.

"The president is holding consultations as part of efforts to arrive at who will be the nominee for vice president. He will likely send the name to the National Assembly for approval, according to constitutional requirements, by Monday or Tuesday,” a presidency source was quoted to have told Reuters.

Jonathan, who was sworn in on Thursday hours after the death of Yar'Adua, spent most of Friday meeting former Nigerian heads of state, governors, and top officials from the ruling People's Democratic Party on the choice of his vice president.

Three former heads of state - Gen. Yakubu Gowon, Alhaji Shehu Shagari and Chief Ernest Shonekan as well as members of the Nigerian Governors Forum led by its chairman, Governor Bukola Saraki of Kwara State, who were at Aso Rock Villa, Abuja on Friday to commiserate with Jonathan over the death of the late Yar'Adua were also said to have been consulted on his choice for the vice presidency.

The former heads of state also congratulated Jonathan on his ascension to the office of President.

Gowon who spoke on behalf of the ex-leaders said the former leaders also used the opportunity of the visit to advise Jonathan to concentrate on electoral reforms and credible elections next year.

The governors described Yar'Adua's death as a national tragedy, adding that it was a personal tragedy for Jonathan, who they said, “has lost not only a great boss, but also a true friend and a loving brother." In an address read on their behalf by Saraki, they said: "the loss that our dear country has suffered is great. Even as we mourn, we beseech the Almighty God to turn our collective grief into a positive energy that will serve this country.

“This is the honour the country owes the late Yar'Adua. He was a great son of Nigeria who believed in Nigeria and who served Nigeria with all the force of his vision of a better way and a greater place for our country."

While congratulating the new president on his inauguration, Saraki admonished him to continue steering the affairs of the nation with "the focus; the commitment and the resourcefulness with which your Excellency has steered the affairs of this country even as the acting president."

In his response, Jonathan said Yar’Adua did his best to promote the interest of the country, and called on Nigerians to ensure the noble ideals he stood for are accomplished. The new President thanked the former heads of state and governors for the tremendous goodwill and support for the late president.

He said Yar'Adua initiated a number of programmes which could have impacted positively on the lives of the people but was slowed down by his health challenges.

The US, in the statement issued by the Secretary of State, Senator Hillary Clinton, also called on the Jonathan administration to continue the march toward next year's general election.

The statement titled: 'The passing of President Umaru Yar'Adua', reads: "United States applauds the timely inauguration of President Jonathan, the lawful successor, and efforts to unify the country at this delicate time. We encourage the Nigerian government to continue its movement toward national democratic elections in 2011 and offer our support and assistance in these efforts."

US also urged all Nigerians "to place their faith and support firmly behind orderly, democratic and constitutional mechanisms."

Meanwhile, Nigerians in the US have continued to mourn the demise of the Nigerian leader. In Washington, flags were flown at half-mast at the ambassador's residence and the chancery, where a condolence register was also opened. Thursday was also observed as work-free day by embassy staff.

In New York, UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, on Thursday night, signed the condolence register at the Nigeria House.

Yar'Adua's death however affected a number of Nigerian-related events slated for Thursday. A meeting between Ambassador Adebowale Adefuye and US Under Secretary for Political Affairs, Williams Burns, was shifted to next week.

Also affected was the award ceremony of the Certificate of Excellence for the Peace Keeping Training Centre in Kaduna billed to hold at the UN headquarters in New York. Top military brass led by Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Dambazau, had already arrived for the event.

Also, the Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper late on Thursday described Yar’Adua as a man of peace, saying "Yar’Adua’s efforts in promoting regional peace and security and his contribution to Nigeria’s leadership role within the international community will be remembered."

The Canadian prime minister in his statement specifically commended Yar’Adua’s efforts at bringing stability and security to the people of the Niger Delta. "Canada is proud of its long partnership with Nigeria, a leader, both regionally and internationally. The past ten years of democratic governance have demonstrated the strength of Nigerians, and this strength will sustain them through the mourning period and beyond.

"I would like to extend, on behalf of the Canadian people, my condolences to the family of President Yar’Adua, the government and the people of Nigeria. Canada has stood with Nigeria through the difficult period of President Yar’Adua’s illness, and Canada mourns with Nigerians his passing," said Harper in a statement issued in Canada.

More condolences also poured in yesterday from world leaders who expressed grief at the death of Yar’Adua.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, and German President Horst Koehler said they were saddened to learn of the passing of Nigerian president and joined President Obama in expressing her condolences to the late president’s family and Nigerians.

Medvedev said he mourned the death of Yar’Adua with the deepest sorrow and noted that contribution made by the late president to strengthen democratic pillars in Nigeria was "priceless." The Russian leader said Yar’Adua gave basic direction to further Nigeria’s economic development "while his balanced and constructive internal policy promoted stability and peace for the country.

"I knew President Yar’Adua as a great friend of Russia, a staunch supporter of cooperation between our nations, who did his best for broadening and deepening the Nigerian-Russian ties," Medvedev said. "President Yar’Adua always sought ways to fulfill his responsibility for peace and security in his country and in the African continent," Koehler said.

"This commitment became apparent particularly during the fourth Africa Forum held in Abuja in November 2008, which we both co-chaired. In Yar’Adua’s death, Germany has lost a partner who showed distinct interest in relation with the European nation,” Koehler added.

In a related development, Gombe State Governor, Muhammad Danjuma Goje has described the late Yar’Adua as “a good, disciplined and experienced leader who was full of vision for a better and great Nigeria but could not achieve or implement his dreams due to ill health.”

The governor stated this while speaking to newsmen at the Gombe Airport shortly before departing for Katsina State for the burial of Yar’Adua.



Source: Thisdayonline.com